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Tag: Merab Dvalishvili

  • Merab Dvalishvili Says Sean O’Malley Won’t Get Kissed This Time Around – No More Kisses!

    Merab Dvalishvili Says Sean O’Malley Won’t Get Kissed This Time Around – No More Kisses!

    The playful days are over, at least, that’s the message Merab Dvalishvili is sending to Sean O’Malley ahead of their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 316.

    Will Merab Dvalishvili Kiss Sean O’Malley again?

    While their first encounter was memorable for Dvalishvili’s relentless takedowns and, yes, a surprise kiss mid-fight, the Georgian bantamweight insists there will be no repeat of that affectionate moment this time. In an interview, he explained: “I’m looking for a finish. Even if Sean stops my takedowns, I’m going to throw hard punches. First time I kissed him, this time I will try to finish him. No more kisses!” Dvalishvili declared.

    He added: “Yeah, I was laughing, I was showboating, and then I was kissing him. I’m not planning on kissing in this fight—I’m planning to finish him. If a kiss comes, I never plan this stuff, it’s just natural and depends how I’m going to feel. But I already kissed him—now it’s time to smash him,” Dvalishvili explained, making it clear that he’s all business at UFC 316.

    Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley’s rivalry began in March 2023 at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, a bout that quickly became infamous for reasons beyond just the scorecards. Merab Dvalishvili pressed the action from the opening bell. Sean O’Malley, ever the slick striker, had his moments on the feet but struggled to keep Dvalishvili off him as the Georgian repeatedly scored takedowns and controlled the fight on the ground. Despite O’Malley’s efforts, Dvalishvili’s dominant grappling secured him a unanimous decision win, with the kiss becoming a highlight reel moment that made the rounds on social media.

    The stakes for Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley 2 at UFC 316 could not be higher, with the UFC Bantamweight Championship on the line and both fighters’ legacies hanging in the balance. Dvalishvili, who captured the 135-pound title from O’Malley in their first meeting at UFC 306 and has since defended it against Umar Nurmagomedov, is aiming to cement his dominance in the division and extend a win streak that now spans over seven years.

    Merab Dvalishvili Aims to Be UFC’s Most Active Champ: “Two more this year" After UFC 316

    Fast forward to June 7, 2025, and the stage is set for their rematch at UFC 316, once again in Las Vegas. One thing’s certain: fans shouldn’t expect any more lip service from the Georgian. The only thing Dvalishvili plans to deliver on fight night is a statement win – no kisses attached.

    Merab Dvalishvili
    Image: @UFCEurope/X
  • “Send Your Wife Applications!” Merab Dvalishvili Looking for Love But Staying Away from Vegas Ladies

    “Send Your Wife Applications!” Merab Dvalishvili Looking for Love But Staying Away from Vegas Ladies

    Merab Dvalishvili, the reigning UFC champion with a gas tank that never quits, is on the hunt for something even more elusive than an undefeated streak: true love. But before you get any ideas, Las Vegas pool party regulars, Merab wants you to know he’s not falling for the Sin City sparkle.

    Merab Dvalishvili Does Not Want Las Vegas Women

    “I have to stay away from ladies! We are in Las Vegas, so many opportunities, so many pool parties. You have to balance – you need endorphins in life, but life’s about balance,” he said in an interview with Helen Yee.

    Merab Dvalishvili and His Search for a Wife

    With UFC 316 looming, Merab’s focus is sharper than ever, on his opponent and, apparently, on dodging the neon-lit temptations of Vegas nightlife. It’s not that he doesn’t appreciate a good time, but Merab’s got bigger plans: “Eventually, I want to get married and find the only one, the mother of my kids. I’m looking for a perfect woman – VIP material, good reputation, loyal, kind, smart, a teammate, someone who wants a family. It’s hard to find here in Vegas, but I’m still searching!”

    While his Instagram is flooded with messages, let’s face it, who wouldn’t want a DM from the champ? Merab has a pro tip for any hopefuls: “Maybe one month after my fight, I’ll be looking more for a wife. My Instagram is busy, so maybe send messages on Threads – it will be easier!” There you have it, ladies. Slide into those Threads DMs, but only if you’re ready for five rounds of loyalty and a lifetime of post-fight celebrations.

    The main event at UFC 316 is a high-stakes bantamweight title rematch between champion Merab Dvalishvili and former champ Sean O’Malley, set for June 7 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Dvalishvili, who took the belt from O’Malley at UFC 306, is putting his title on the line, with both fighters looking to settle the score and shake up the division.

    Merab Dvalishvili
    Image: @UFCEurope/X

    As Merab gears up for UFC 316, his reputation as a relentless fighter is matched only by his determination to find “the one.” He’s not just looking for a partner, he’s looking for a teammate, someone who can go the distance. So, if you think you’ve got what it takes, applications are open.

    Merab Dvalishvili
    Image: UFC.com
  • Merab Dvalishvili Warns of a New Sean O’Malley: “This Time I’m Not Taking It Easy”

    Merab Dvalishvili Warns of a New Sean O’Malley: “This Time I’m Not Taking It Easy”

    Merab Dvalishvili is expecting a different Sean O’Malley to step into the cage for their upcoming rematch but the former also expects the latter to be dealing with a different version of him inside the octagon. The roles will be reversed from their initial meeting as Dvalishvili will not defend the bantamweight crown against former divisional kingpin O’Malley on June 7 at UFC 316. The reigning UFC titleholder at 135 pounds recently sat down for an interview that was posted to the offficial UFC YouTube channel.

    This will be an intriguing career first for Dvalishvili as he also aims to make the sophomore defense of his title reign. ‘The Machine’ made the all important first defense of his beklt agaisnt the previously unbeaten Umar Nurmagomedov by way of a unanimous decisiion at UFC 311 in January. Conversely for O’Malley, this fight will be an immediate rematch for him as he has not competed since losing his strap to Dvalishvili last September in their first fight at UFC 306. Expounding on the specifics of why this matchup is unique and his thoughts on the looming second battle with ‘Suga’, Dvalishvili said.

    Merab Dvalishvili
    Image: UFC/Zuffa LLC

    “It’s my first rematch, and I feel very relaxed. I was relaxed in the first fight, but now I don’t want to be relaxed, because now I know Sean will change his game plan and he will make some big adjustments. I’m relaxed, but I’m telling myself, “You’ve got to be motivated. You’ve got to be more hungry than what I was in the first fight.”

    Merab Dvalishvili reveals toe injury two weeks out from UFC 316

    Merab Dvalishvili has revealed a toe injury in close proximity to this Sean O’Malley rematch but does not seem dissuaded in the least. The UFC champion reshared a video to his Instagram story that was initilly psoted by vato.gv that shows some noticeable discoloration on Dvalishvili’s foot. Merab Dvalishvili can be heard in the video asking “Why you break my toe, my friend?” to Cameron Sandoval who is a suring 4-0 prospect that last won in LFA in March. Sandoval retorted to Dvalishvili that the latter kicked his head and broke the toe which indicates he jokingly felt the UFC champ was at fault.

    Dvalishvili responded by playfully intimating that he would cut off his hindered toe while again reiterating that he felt Sandoval caused the issue.

    Merab Dvalishvili
    (Merab Dvalishvili on Instagram)
  • “Showed the Same Leg Twice to Get Cleared, Commission Never Knew” Merab Dvalishvili’s Coach on Fighting Hurt

    “Showed the Same Leg Twice to Get Cleared, Commission Never Knew” Merab Dvalishvili’s Coach on Fighting Hurt

    If there’s a handbook for how to survive as a UFC champion, Merab Dvalishvili probably hasn’t read it – or if he has, he’s using it as a doorstop while he limps into another training session. Known for his tireless motor and a stubborn disregard for medical advice, Dvalishvili has turned fighting hurt into something of an art form. With his coach John Wood ready to call it like he sees it and the champ himself unfazed by the latest collection of bruises, breaks, and commission-dodging pant tricks, Dvalishvili heads into UFC 316 looking to prove, once again, that you can’t keep a good Machine down, even if you have to check both legs to be sure.

    Merab Dvalishvili’s coach, John Wood, isn’t one for sugarcoating. When asked about his fighter’s latest training camp, Wood didn’t mince words speaking in an interview with Submission Radio: “The last camp was god-awful. It was terrible as far as injury goes, terrible. I’d be lying if I didn’t think about trying to pull him out.” The reigning UFC champion, known for his relentless style and iron will, apparently spent much of his camp hobbling around on a leg that, by Wood’s account, should have kept him out of the cage altogether.

    Merab Dvalishvili Is Always Injured

    But Dvalishvili is nothing if not resourceful. When it came time for the athletic commission’s inspection, he simply “pulled the old pant trick—the one-legged show, showed them the same leg twice, and they bought it.” Wood admits, “If the guy wasn’t dumb and you guys weren’t able to pull this off, maybe there wouldn’t have been a fight.” It’s the kind of move that would make a magician proud, and it kept Merab Dvalishvili’s title defense on track.

    This isn’t a one-off for the champ. Dvalishvili has made a habit of fighting through injuries, rarely letting the world in on just how banged up he is. “He loves to rattle everybody up,” Wood says. “As much as people think, ‘Oh, that’s stupid,’ or, ‘this or that,’ he would never post something that was going to take him out of a fight. If he’s posting something, it’s really not that bad.” In reference to his recent post showing a broken toe. The coach insists that every fighter heads into battle with a few dents and dings, but Merab Dvalishvili seems to take it to another level, brushing off broken toes and battered limbs as just part of the job.

    Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley
    Image: Jeff Bottari/UFC/Zuffa LLC

    UFC 316

    With a title reign built on grit and a reputation for being unbreakable, Dvalishvili is now gearing up for another big test at UFC 316. Despite the injuries, the weight cuts, and the occasional need for a little sleight of hand, Wood says there’s no keeping his fighter out of the Octagon. “You’ll really have to kill him to keep him out of the cage. It would have to be something that’s physically not working. His leg could have been hanging on by the tendons, it wouldn’t have mattered. He’s ready to go.”

    Merab Dvalishvili
    Image: UFC/Zuffa LLC

    The bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is set to headline UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey, on June 7, defending his bantamweight title in a high-stakes rematch against Sean O’Malley. The last time these two met, Dvalishvili’s relentless wrestling and pressure left O’Malley on the wrong end of a unanimous decision, derailing the “Sugar” show and crowning Dvalishvili as champion. Now, O’Malley is back, surgically repaired and promising a sharper performance, while Dvalishvili rolls into fight week with a fractured toe and a grin, joking on social media that he might just “cut it off” rather than let it slow him down.

    As UFC 316 approaches, fans can expect to see the same Merab Dvalishvili: battered, yes, but never beaten.

    Sean O'Malley & Merab Dvalishvili
    Image: @ufc/X
  • Merab Dvalishvili Aims to Be UFC’s Most Active Champ: “Two more this year” After UFC 316

    Merab Dvalishvili Aims to Be UFC’s Most Active Champ: “Two more this year” After UFC 316

    Merab Dvalishvili isn’t just gunning to be another UFC titleholder, he’s aiming to rewrite the champ’s job description. The Georgian dynamo, famous for his relentless cardio and motor that never seems to stall, is setting his sights on becoming the most active champion the organization has ever seen.

    Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316

    The main event at UFC 316 features a high-stakes bantamweight title rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley, set for June 7, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Dvalishvili, who took the belt from O’Malley by unanimous decision at UFC 306, will look to defend his title for the first time against the former champion.

    With UFC 316 on the horizon, Merab Dvalishvili is already plotting a schedule that would make most fighters need a nap. Speaking in an interview with the UFC, he explained:

    “God willing, this will happen. I’m working hard for the win and to defend my belt again. Like I said, I don’t look at this one as an easy fight; it’s going to be a challenge. But after that, I want to be busy. I’m just going to take only one month off, and I will be back to training camp. I heard they will have a fight in Mexico, I would like to fight there, and I would like to fight in New York or December in Vegas. Let’s see if we get this one and two more this year!”

    His next assignment at UFC 316 is no walk in the park. The opponent is tough, the stakes are high, and Dvalishvili knows it. But if he gets his hand raised in a rematch against Sean O’Malley, he’s not planning to bask in the glory for long. Instead, he’s eyeing a quick turnaround, just a month off before diving back into another training camp. That’s par for the course for a fighter whose gas tank has become legendary, often outworking rivals who look like they’re running on fumes while he’s still bouncing around the cage.

    Merab Dvalishvili
    Image: UFC/Zuffa LLC

    Merab Dvalishvili trains in the United States, where he’s part of the Serra-Longo Fight Team under renowned coaches Ray Longo and Matt Serra. Based out of New York, Dvalishvili sharpened his skills alongside notable teammates like Aljamain Sterling and Chris Weidman at Serra BJJ, building his reputation for relentless cardio and a grinding wrestling style. For recent camps, he has also spent time at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas.

    Merab "The Machine" Dvalishvili
    Image: @UFCEurope/X

    After UFC 316, Merab Dvalishvili has his eyes on two more fights before the year’s out. He’s got potential opponents in mind, too. Cory Sandhagen’s name has been floated, and a rematch with Petr Yan could be on the cards. There’s also talk of fighting in Mexico, New York, or Las Vegas, Dvalishvili clearly isn’t picky about the location, as long as there’s a fight to be had. If he pulls it off, Dvalishvili won’t just be the bantamweight champ he’ll be the busiest champ in the UFC.

    Merab Dvalishvili & Sean O'Malley
    Image: @ufc/X
  • Merab Dvalishvili Suffers Suspected Broken Toe Weeks Before UFC 316 Title Rematch With Sean O’Malley

    Merab Dvalishvili Suffers Suspected Broken Toe Weeks Before UFC 316 Title Rematch With Sean O’Malley

    UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has revealed he suffered a toe injury, suspected to be a fracture, less than two weeks before his scheduled title defense against Sean O’Malley at UFC 316. This is bringing conroversy to the upcoming main event, fans are wondering if the champion will be able to make the match.

    Merab Dvalishvili Potential Injury Ahead of UFC 316

    Merab Dvalishvili addressed the setback with characteristic humor, stating, “It’s okay, I’m gonna cut it off,” in a video posted to social media, despite the visible severity of the injury. The incident occurred during a sparring session with prospect Cameron Sandoval, when Dvalishvili’s pinky toe was injured while throwing a head kick.

    The full extent of the damage remains to be confirmed by medical imaging, but Dvalishvili’s lighthearted response has done little to quell concerns about his readiness for the June 7 main event in Newark, New Jersey.

    The upcoming bout is a highly anticipated rematch. Merab Dvalishvili captured the bantamweight crown from O’Malley at UFC 306 in September 2024, delivering a dominant five-round performance that relied on relentless grappling and pressure to neutralize O’Malley’s striking. O’Malley, who had previously defended his title in a successful outing against Chito Vera, struggled to find his rhythm in the inaugural fight at the Sphere in Las Vegas, ultimately losing by unanimous decision. Since then, Dvalishvili has extended his win streak to 12, including a title defense against Umar Nurmagomedov, while O’Malley has not fought since losing the belt.

    Both fighters bring notable histories to this rematch. Dvalishvili has built a reputation for durability and perseverance, often competing through significant injuries. Ahead of his first title defense against Nurmagomedov, Dvalishvili fought through a pinched nerve in his back and a severe staph infection in his leg, an ailment described by those close to him as so serious that “regular people would have probably had their leg amputated”. Despite these obstacles, he refused to withdraw, maintaining his stance that “I never pull out” and ultimately securing a unanimous decision victory.

    Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley
    Image: Jeff Bottari/UFC/Zuffa LLC

    Sean O’Malley, meanwhile, has cited his own injury struggles, including a torn labrum during his first meeting with Dvalishvili, and has expressed eagerness for redemption in the rematch. The former champion’s knockout power remains a significant threat, and the narrative entering UFC 316 centers on whether he can adjust to Dvalishvili’s wrestling-heavy style and reclaim the title.

    Merab Dvalishvili
    (Merab Dvalishvili on Instagram)

    With Dvalishvili’s latest injury casting uncertainty over the main event, the champion’s history of overcoming physical setbacks suggests he is unlikely to withdraw. As the fight approaches, attention will focus on whether Dvalishvili’s resilience can once again carry him through adversity, or if O’Malley can capitalize on the champion’s compromised condition to regain the bantamweight crown.

    Merab Dvalishvili & Sean O'Malley
    Image: @UFCEurope/X
  • What’s Next After UFC 315? Full Confirmed UFC 316 Main Card For Newark On June 7

    What’s Next After UFC 315? Full Confirmed UFC 316 Main Card For Newark On June 7

    UFC 315 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering, UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey.

    The promotion was in Montreal last week, where the Bell Centre played host to a number of intriguing matchups for its fifth numbered event of the year. Of note were headline wins for Jack Della Maddalena and Valentina Shevchenko, as well as important victories for Aiemann Zahabi, Natália Silva and Benoît Saint Denis.

    While the aftermath of the May 10 card is currently the talk of the town, it won’t be long until focus sways to the next PPV, and from the welterweight title picture to the bantamweight championship conversation.

    TWEET

    At UFC 316, set for the Prudential Center on June 7, Merab Dvalishvili will defend the UFC bantamweight championship against the very man he took the belt from, “Sugar” Sean O’Malley. After Dvalishvili won a decision to claim the gold when these two first met at Noche UFC 2 in September, he will look to show the win was not a mistake. O’Malley, who hasn’t fought since the loss, will be eyeing revenge and hoping to reclaim the gold.

    Stakes will also be high in the co-headliner, as two-time women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Peña looks to make her first defense since winning it back at the expense of Raquel Pennington in 2024. She will be doing battle with Kayla Harrison, who will be looking to claim the gold and fulfill the hype set for her after coming over to the UFC from the PFL in January 2024.

    Gastelum, Vera, Luque Set The Stage For Title Headliners At UFC 315

    Before Dvalishvili and Peña make the walk to put their championships on the line, a number of notable names will take to the Octagon looking to make the most of their position on the major UFC 316 card.

    That includes former interim middleweight title challenger Kelvin Gastelum. Weeks before he and Israel Adesanya enter the UFC Hall of Fame for their memorable UFC 236 clash, Gastelum will face the up-and-coming Joe Pyfer. Gastelum will look to make it two wins in a row and three wins in his last four, while Pyfer will look to continue his rising momentum in his first fight since knocking out Marc-André Barriault at UFC 303.

    Prior to that, another former title challenger will be in action, as Marlon “Chito” Vera is set for action against another bantamweight contender, Mario Bautista. Vera will be looking to get back to winning ways, having lost three of his last four. Last year, Vera came up short against former rival O’Malley in a 135-pound title fight and dropped a decision to Deiveson Figueiredo. Bautista, meanwhile, has won seven straight and will be fighting for the first time since his controversial UFC 307 win over Jose Aldo.

    The main card is scheduled to open with a pair of exciting welterweights in Vicente Luque and Kevin Holland doing battle. Luque has won two of three, having most recently submitted Themba Gorimbo at UFC 310 in December. Holland is 2-2 in his last four, scoring a unanimous decision win over Gunnar Nelson at UFC London just a couple of months ago.

    Those pairings have currently gotten the nod to feature on the main card over the likes of Johnny Walker and Bruno Silva, who are slated to feature on the prelims.

    See below for the UFC 316 lineup, as it stands.

    Main Card:

    • Bantamweight Championship: Merab Dvalishvili (C) vs. Sean O’Malley
    • Women’s Bantamweight Championship: Julianna Pena (C) vs. Kayla Harrison
    • Middleweight: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer
    • Bantamweight: Marlon Vera vs. Mario Bautista
    • Welterweight: Vicente Luque vs. Kevin Holland

    Preliminary Card (bout order TBA):

    • Flyweight: Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van
    • Women’s Flyweight: Ariane Da Silva vs. Wang Cong
    • Light Heavyweight: Johnny Walker vs. Azamat Murzakanov
    • Heayvweight: Serghei Spivac vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta
    • Featherweight: Jeka Saragih vs. Yoo Joo-sang
    • Welterweight: Khaos Williams vs. Uros Medic
  • Merab Dvalishvili Promises To ‘Take Risks’ Second Time Around vs. Sean O’Malley

    Merab Dvalishvili Promises To ‘Take Risks’ Second Time Around vs. Sean O’Malley

    UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili has suggested that fans can expect things to play out differently when he runs it back with Sean O’Malley.

    After successfully pushing past the challenge of Umar Nurmagomedov this past January, “The Machine” will put his focus back on the man from whom he took the 135-pound gold last September.

    Dvalishvili used his grappling dominance to convincingly outpoint O’Malley inside the Sphere. But when the pair renew hostilities in the main event of UFC 316 on June 7, the Georgian is seemingly looking to use other tools to have his hand raised.

    During an appearance on Tuesday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, Dvalishvili outlined his intention to display more of his striking in the rematch with “Suga.”

    “I’m going to take some risks and I’m going to show my striking, too. That’s what I’m thinking right now,” Merab Dvalishvili said. “Sometimes I’m a little crazy, so in some fights I’m gonna show my craziness.”

  • Merab Dvalishvili Insists Sean O’Malley ‘Deserves’ Rematch Amid Backlash To UFC 316 Main Event 

    Merab Dvalishvili Insists Sean O’Malley ‘Deserves’ Rematch Amid Backlash To UFC 316 Main Event 

    UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili disagrees with the portion of fans and pundits who have questioned the decision to grant Sean O’Malley a title rematch.

    Dvalishvili and O’Malley will renew hostilities this June following their five-round contest inside the Sphere last September. On that occasion, the Georgian dominated to emerge with the 135-pound gold in his possession.

    In his first fight back since, “Suga” will receive an immediate shot at redemption, battling “The Machine” in the main event of UFC 316 on June 7.

    The decision to have O’Malley fight for the title instead of facing a fellow contender for the right to do so has split opinion in the MMA community.

    But during an appearance on Tuesday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, Dvalishvili leapt to the defense of his rival, claiming he “deserves” the shot.

    “Even though a lot of people criticize O’Malley getting the rematch, I think he deserves it,” Merab Dvalishvili said. “He made lots of excuses after the fight and I know he will make adjustments and he will change the game plan.

    “It’s gonna be a totally different fight,” Dvalishvili continued. “I know he will attack me from the beginning with the body kicks and striking. I want to test my striking, too.”

  • Ben Askren Explains Why Sean O’Malley Taking Merab Dvalishvili Rematch Is ‘A Bad Move’

    Ben Askren Explains Why Sean O’Malley Taking Merab Dvalishvili Rematch Is ‘A Bad Move’

    Ben Askren believes Sean O’Malley’s decision to have an immediate rematch against Merab Dvalishvili is a risky career move.

    O’Malley is set to challenge Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title at UFC 316 in Newark on June 7. This follows his unanimous decision loss to Dvalishvili at UFC 306 last September.

    Askren, speaking on his Funky and the Champ show alongside Daniel Cormier, broke down why he thinks it is a bad move by the former champ. 

    “I kind of think this is a bad move. If he gets beat up by Merab again, then he loses a whole bunch of attraction because it’s like, well, you already lost to the champ twice, so until the champ goes away, they’re not going to give you a third shot against him. He could have fought some, maybe, lower-ranked guys.”

    Askren further explained his reasoning, suggesting that O’Malley could have benefited from facing opponents less likely to expose his wrestling weaknesses. 

    “Against guys who can’t take him down, he kind of looks like a real freaking superstar, right? He’s really exciting, very diverse striking attack, so he could have looked really good, built the fight back up into something bigger. But now, I feel like everyone is feeling, ‘Hey, we just saw this, it wasn’t competitive. Why do we need to see this again?’”

    Since their first fight Sean O’Malley underwent hip surgery, while Merab Dvalishvili successfully defended his title against Umar Nurmagomedov.

    Despite “Suga’s” striking abilities, Askren remains concerned about the rematch.

    “I wish Sean would have taken some more time to improve his wrestling, but he still has dynamic striking, he has knockout capabilities. Merab has been relatively unstoppable looking in his last handful of fights.”

  • Sean O’Malley Has Simple Message To Critics Of His UFC Title Rematch: ‘Don’t Watch!’

    Sean O’Malley Has Simple Message To Critics Of His UFC Title Rematch: ‘Don’t Watch!’

    Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley is unfazed by those claiming he is undeserving of a chance to regain the title from Merab Dvalishvili.

    UFC CEO Dana White revealed a number of major matchups last week, including the rematch between Dvalishvili and O’Malley for the 135-pound gold at UFC 316 in June following their five-round battle inside the Sphere last September.

    The decision has appeared to split the MMA community, with some questioning why “Suga” has been granted an immediate opportunity in his return from injury given his short reign and one-sided defeat to “The Machine.”

    During an appearance on Monday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, O’Malley hit back at his detractors, simply suggesting they should not watch come fight night in Newark.

    “Don’t watch,” Sean O’Malley said. “Saturday night, June 7, f*cking watch your reality TV show. Don’t watch the fight.”

  • Sean O’Malley Acknowledges His Performance Against Merab Dvalishvili Was ‘Embarrassing’

    Sean O’Malley Acknowledges His Performance Against Merab Dvalishvili Was ‘Embarrassing’

    When it comes to how disappointing his display against UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili was last September, Sean O’Malley doesn’t need telling.

    O’Malley had his brief rule over the 135-pound division ended in emphatic, one-sided fashion seven months ago inside the Sphere, a short while on from his sole successful title defense.

    While he comfortably got the better of Marlon Vera across five rounds, “Sugar” was on the receiving end of a lopsided decision when he ran into the charging Dvalishvili.

    Despite the nature of that result, O’Malley has received an immediate rematch in his return from injury, which is set to headline the UFC 316 pay-per-view in Newark this June.

    And during an appearance on Monday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, the Montana native made it clear that he’s under no illusion when it comes to the grappling improvement he needs to make ahead of their redo.

    “I literally grappled more today than I did that entire last camp,” Sean O’Malley said. “I know I can wrestle better than I showed in that last fight. That was borderline embarrassing.”

  • Sean O’Malley Says He’ll Be ’70 Percent’ Better For Merab Dvalishvili Rematch

    Sean O’Malley Says He’ll Be ’70 Percent’ Better For Merab Dvalishvili Rematch

    Sean O’Malley will soon have his shot at redemption, and he’s promised UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili that he’ll be facing an entirely different beast come fight night.

    UFC CEO Dana White announced a few high-profile bouts this week, including the title rematch between Dvalishvili and O’Malley following their five-round battle inside the Sphere last September.

    The decision has caused debate in the MMA community, with some questioning why “Suga” has been granted an immediate opportunity in his return from injury given his short reign and one-sided defeat to “The Machine.”

    But during the latest episode of his TimboSugarShow alongside coach Tim Welch, O’Malley expressed confidence in delivering a much better performance second time around, having overcome the injury he fought through in Las Vegas seven months ago.

    “Dude, I am so excited for this fight. My body, my body has not felt like this since I fought Petr Yan. Since I fought Petr, my body hasn’t felt this good since 2022. It’s 2025 now. I fought Aljo (Aljamain Sterling), I fought ‘Chito’ (Marlon Vera), I fought Merab, just dealing with little (injuries)…and I’m not saying I’m the only one. Every fighter’s dealing with something, but I haven’t felt this good.

    “I’m going to be 70 percent better than I was in that first fight,” Sean O’Malley said. “I’m going to be significantly more mobile, agile, better shape. I’m gonna fight at my full potential.”

  • Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley 2, Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison Title Fights Headline UFC 316

    Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley 2, Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison Title Fights Headline UFC 316

    Plenty of gold will be on the line when the mixed martial arts leader returns to Newark for UFC 316.

    The UFC heads back to the Prudential Center to stage a numbered event on June 7, marking the venue’s first time hosting the Octagon since Islam Makhachev successfully fended off the threat of Dustin Poirier to retain his grip on the lightweight title in mid-2024.

    This year, a pair of championship bouts at 135 pounds will top the UFC 316 lineup, with Merab Dvalishvili and Julianna Peña defending their belts against Sean O’Malley and Kayla Harrison, respectively.

    UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the news Tuesday on social media.

    This news confirms that O’Malley will receive an immediate rematch with Dvalishvili in his return from injury. “Sugar” hasn’t competed since being unseated by the Georgian at Noche UFC inside the Sphere last September, after which he underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum.

    Harrison, meanwhile, earned the right to challenge for UFC gold by making it two wins from two in the Octagon last October. On the same night that she outpointed Ketlen Vieira, Peña controversially got the better of Raquel Pennington on the scorecards to become a two-time bantamweight champ.

  • Merab Dvalishvili Ranks José Aldo As Tougher Opponent Than O’Malley And Nurmagomedov

    Merab Dvalishvili Ranks José Aldo As Tougher Opponent Than O’Malley And Nurmagomedov

    According to UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili, neither the man from whom he took the title nor the one he recently defended it against come close to being among his toughest opposition.

    Dvalishvili has been on a tear in recent years, winning 10 straight to finally earn a shot at the 135-pound gold on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage, capturing it from Sean O’Malley, and retaining it at the expense of previously undefeated Dagestani Umar Nurmagomedov.

    Prior to his championship bouts, the Georgian got past a trio of former champions in José Aldo, Petr Yan, and Henry Cejudo. And interestingly, Dvalishvili places all three above “Suga” and Nurmagomedov in terms of opponent difficulty.

    The reigning champion recently ranked his past five foes from easiest to hardest in a video uploaded to X by @judobetter995. He placed the man he defeated at UFC 311 this year, Nurmagomedov, in fifth. The bantamweight he dethroned inside the Sphere last September didn’t fare much better, coming in at fourth.

    Judging by the list, Dvalishvili’s toughest bout of the five came in August 2022, when he outpointed Aldo at UFC 278 in Salt Lake City. The manner of victory was widely criticized, and perhaps contributed to the Georgian having to defeat both Yan and Cejudo before getting his opportunity at the strap.

  • Magomed Ankalaev Surpasses Makhachev, Dvalishvili For UFC Social Media Record In 2025

    Magomed Ankalaev Surpasses Makhachev, Dvalishvili For UFC Social Media Record In 2025

    Magomed Ankalaev outshined several reigning UFC champions in a key statistic following his latest Octagon appearance.

    Ankalaev realized his lifelong dream of becoming a UFC titleholder this past Saturday, toppling long-reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira with a unanimous decision victory in the UFC 313 main event.

    The Dagestani stepped into the fight with a calculated game plan, but despite his high-level wrestling credentials, he failed to take Pereira down. Instead, he maintained steady aggression and strategically timed his strikes, ultimately convincing the judges to rule in his favor.

    Despite widespread criticism of his fighting style as “boring,” Ankalaev’s social media popularity skyrocketed, gaining massive traction across platforms.

    Recently, a sharp-eyed MMA fan on X compiled snippets from the UFC’s Instagram, showcasing every champion having their belt wrapped around their waist after the first three pay-per-views of the year. To many fans’ surprise, Magomed Ankalaev topped the list with a staggering 26.8 million views.

    Trailing behind him was reigning lightweight champ Islam Makhachev, who racked up 19.1 million views, followed by bantamweight king Merab Dvalishvili with 17 million. Middleweight titleholder Dricus Du Plessis secured 11.8 million, while strawweight queen Zhang Weili rounded out the list with 4.3 million views.

    At the time of writing, the video capturing Ankalaev’s crowning moment has amassed over 46.2 million views and garnered an impressive 1.4 million likes.

    Ankalaev previously vied for the 205-pound title at UFC 282 in December 2022, facing Jan Błachowicz. After an intense back-and-forth battle, the contest ended in a draw.

    With his win at UFC 313, the 32-year-old Russian extended his unbeaten streak to 14 fights. Remarkably, the only blemish on his professional record dates back to March 2018, when he fell to Paul Craig via submission in the final seconds of their bout.

  • Merab Dvalishvili’s Teammate Learns His Punishment For Striking Fan At UFC 310

    Merab Dvalishvili’s Teammate Learns His Punishment For Striking Fan At UFC 310

    The Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) has issued a nine-month suspension and $2,500 fine to UFC fighter Dennis Buzukja, a teammate of bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili’s, following a physical altercation with a fan at UFC 310 this past December.

    Buzukja must also pay an additional $157.04 in attorney fees as part of the disciplinary action.

    The altercation occurred after Buzukja, who was cornering his friend and teammate Aljamain Sterling for his fight against Movsar Evloev, became involved in a heated confrontation with a fan. The situation escalated after an earlier verbal exchange between Dvalishvili and the same individual.

    Video footage showed Dvalishvili confronting the fan after the individual grabbed his arm and verbally accosted him as he returned to the locker room.

    • Security intervened, but before tensions could fully de-escalate, Buzukja was seen throwing punches at the fan. The incident quickly went viral on social media, leading to scrutiny from the NAC.

    Following the incident, Dvalishvili clarified that the fan had instigated the exchange by falsely claiming he was part of Umar Nurmagomedov’s team. The accusation carried weight, as Dvalishvili was preparing to fight Nurmagomedov at UFC 311.

    The commission’s decision to suspend and fine Buzukja highlights its zero-tolerance policy on athlete-fan altercations. This follows a similar incident involving Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300, reinforcing the message that such behavior will not be tolerated, regardless of the circumstances.

    While Buzukja’s suspension is set to expire on Sept. 6, 2025, he has an opportunity to reduce it to six months. If he completes approved community service in Nevada, he could be reinstated as early as June 6.

    This conditional reprieve reflects the NAC’s dual approach — punishing misconduct while also providing a path for fighters to demonstrate accountability and rehabilitate their public image.

  • Sean O’Malley’s Hopes For Immediate Title Shot In Return From Injury Get A Big Boost

    Sean O’Malley’s Hopes For Immediate Title Shot In Return From Injury Get A Big Boost

    Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley could be in line for a chance to regain the title in 2025.

    Following this past weekend’s event, UFC CEO Dana White was asked about the possibility of a second clash between “Sugar” and current champ Merab Dvalishvili.

    While he didn’t confirm or deny the fight, he did hint toward it by acknowledging the apparent desire for the bout among fans.

    “They want to fight each other. I think people want to see it,” White said.

    Dvalishvili captured the bantamweight title with a dominant decision victory over O’Malley at UFC 306 in Las Vegas last September. He has since further cemented his status as champion by defeating Umar Nurmagomedov in an upset win at UFC 311 this past January, extending his impressive winning streak to 12.

    O’Malley, meanwhile, has been sidelined by injury since losing the title to Dvalishvili. While he has expressed interest in reclaiming the belt, it remains unclear when he will be ready to return.

    With both fighters and fans eager for a potential rematch, the decision now rests in the hands of the UFC matchmakers.

  • Henry Cejudo Suggests Alternative To ‘Stupid’ Sean O’Malley Rematch For Merab Dvalishvili

    Henry Cejudo Suggests Alternative To ‘Stupid’ Sean O’Malley Rematch For Merab Dvalishvili

    Ahead of his return to action this weekend, former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo has assessed the landscape of the bantamweight title picture.

    Merab Dvalishvili has ruled over the division since his dominant victory over Sean O’Malley at the Sphere last September. He’s defended the crown once, getting the better of undefeated challenger Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 in January.

    The Georgian champ has outlined his intention to remain active and put the gold on the line again in the first half of 2025. And when it comes to the opposition, one ex-foe is expecting to have the chance for redemption.

    After being sidelined with a torn labrum following his title defeat in 2024, O’Malley was quick to insist that he’ll return straight into a rematch with Dvalishvili this year.

    During a recent interview with Home of Fight, Cejudo rejected the notion that “Sugar” deserves a second dance with “The Machine,” instead pitching Cory Sandhagen as a better challenger.

    “I think that’s stupid,” Cejudo said of Dvalishvili potentially running it back with O’Malley. “It’s not like O’Malley’s a pay-per-view king. Like, his fights don’t do sh*t, man. I think the person that they should give him (is) Sandhagen.

    “Sandhagen makes a lot of sense. Sandhagen could potentially beat him,” Cejudo continued. “I mean, I still think Merab beats him, but he has the tools to really shut out Merab’s freaking lights. That’s the cool thing about it.”

    “The Sandman” is coming off a defeat to Nurmagomedov in the main event of UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi last August.

    Cejudo, meanwhile, is still seeking the first win of his comeback, having lost back-to-back outings opposite Aljamain Sterling and Dvalishvili since returning from retirement.

    “Triple C” will hope the long-awaited triumph finally arrives next weekend, when he headlines the UFC’s return to Seattle against Song Yadong.

  • Merab Dvalishvili Slams Controversial Stoppage At UFC 312: ‘Hate This!’

    Merab Dvalishvili Slams Controversial Stoppage At UFC 312: ‘Hate This!’

    UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili was not pleased to see one fighter’s outing at Saturday’s pay-per-view brought to a controversial end after just 19 seconds.

    While the promotion’s second numbered event of the year — UFC 312 at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia — wasn’t particularly thrilling or memorable, it certainly didn’t start slow.

    Kicking off proceedings was a debuting local favorite in Quillan Salkilld, who needed just one strike to finish Anshul Jubli and announce his arrival on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

    The Indian was badly dropped by a clean right hand but was quick to grab a leg as Salkilld jumped on him. The referee, however, immediately decided he had seen enough and called off the bout.

    Jubli furiously protested the result, and his claim of an early stoppage has been backed by plenty in the community. That includes one prominent peer in Dvalishvili, who slammed the referee’s intervention in a post on X.

    “Work so hard in training camp and gets an early stoppage … hate this ! #UFC312“

    Dvalishvili frequently calls out stoppages he perceives to be early, having seen firsthand the effects of controversial finishes back in 2023 when teammate Aljamain Sterling was unseated from the bantamweight throne by Sean O’Malley.

  • ‘TJ KOs Him For Real’ – Fans Debate Merab Dvalishvili vs. ‘Prime’ TJ Dillashaw Result

    ‘TJ KOs Him For Real’ – Fans Debate Merab Dvalishvili vs. ‘Prime’ TJ Dillashaw Result

    Having cemented his grip on the UFC bantamweight title, talk of where Merab Dvalishvili fits among the division’s all-time greats is picking up.

    Dvalishvili recorded his first defense a few weeks back, following his crowning at the expense of Sean O’Malley four months prior with a successful halting of Umar Nurmagomedov’s championship ambitions.

    While the Georgian made the walk at UFC 311 as the underdog, he overcame a strong start from his undefeated challenger, utilizing his renowned cardio and pace to secure the decision victory in Los Angeles.

    The result extended Dvalishvili’s reign and active win streak to 12, which is enough for some to now award “The Machine” with GOAT status at 135 pounds.

    That’s sparked plenty of debate over how the current champ would stack up against some of the division’s past elites, including former two-time titleholder TJ Dillashaw.

    A recent post on X by @owen_swd posed the question of who would win between Dvalishvili and the retired American in their respective primes.

    Both men had their fair share of backers in the comments section. One common theme involved the controversy surrounding Dillashaw’s use of performance-enhancing drugs.

    https://twitter.com/MeterPeterD/status/1884057885891834178
    https://twitter.com/AstorDutch/status/1884297693817876670
    https://twitter.com/RoboBuddyFi/status/1884288209250824414
  • Cory Sandhagen: ‘I Have The Style That Will Beat Merab Dvalishvili’

    Cory Sandhagen: ‘I Have The Style That Will Beat Merab Dvalishvili’

    Cory Sandhagen is one of the top contenders in the bantamweight division but several key losses have stopped him from claiming UFC gold to this point. He’s been beaten by the likes of Umar Nurmagomedov, Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling in the past but “The Sandman” is always circling the title picture meaning that he’s never too far away from getting the next shot.

    In a recent YouTube video on his channel, Sandhagen looked to breakdown the recent bantamweight title fight between Merab Dvalishvili and his former opponent, Nurmagomedov. The current titleholder is one of the few top names at 135-pounds that Sandhagen is yet to meet inside the Octagon and despite the incredible performance that “The Machine” delivered this past weekend at UFC 311, it’s obviously a fight that intrigues the #4-ranked contender.

    “Umar’s definitely a really good fighter,” Sandhagen said on his YouTube channel. “He beat me. He’s better than I am stylistically. That being said, styles make fights. If you’re going to be a guy that fights against Merab, you have to have really, really, really good footwork and be able to defend the takedowns in an energy efficient way. Merab has fought O’Malley, beat him pretty decisively. Yan, beat him pretty decisively. Umar, beat him pretty decisively. Those are the three guys that are ahead of me. I should be next in line.”

    With that analysis in mind and his position in the division, Sandhagen believes that he would be an interesting matchup for the reigning champion because of the clash of styles. He acknowledged that it would be a “tough sell” and he’s not going to call out Dvalishvili but nevertheless, “The Sandman” believes that he might be the man to dethrone the Georgian.

    “I do think that if there is a style that beats Merab, it’s one that can control the space the best. And say whatever you want about my style, what you have to say about it is I probably have the best footwork in the division. If not the best, way, way up there. I hold space, keep space, close it, open it better than anyone else in the division in my opinion. That’s what’s going to beat Merab. So when I get to fight him, I’m really excited to see how that gets to look like.”

  • Former UFC Fighter Explains Why Cardio Isn’t Merab Dvalishvili’s ‘Biggest Strength’

    Former UFC Fighter Explains Why Cardio Isn’t Merab Dvalishvili’s ‘Biggest Strength’

    UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili may be known for his cardio, but one analyst has pointed to another attribute as being his most important.

    Dvalishvili opened his account for 2025 in style this past weekend, co-headlining the very first pay-per-view event of the new year in defense of his 135-pound gold.

    The Georgian entered UFC 311 as an underdog, with many backing undefeated challenger Umar Nurmagomedov to become the latest from his team to secure championship glory.

    That script wasn’t followed by “The Machine,” however, as he lived up to his moniker by putting a relentless pace on Nurmagomedov through rounds three, four, and five to overcome a strong start from the Russian and get the nod on all three scorecards.

    In the aftermath, Dvalishvili’s engine has unsurprisingly been the main talking point and leading point of praise directed at the champ. But one ex-fighter has highlighted a different skill while identifying the Georgian’s greatest strength.

    “I attribute a lot of Merab’s success to his — which is a skill in itself, it’s an underappreciated skill in itself — and that is his ability to stay comfortable at all times,” Din Thomas said during an episode of MMA Today on SiriusXM. “Nothing makes him uncomfortable. Like, missing a shot? ‘I don’t care.’ Losing two rounds in the beginning? ‘I don’t care.’

    “Nothing makes him panic and he still keeps the same pace. Nothing breaks him,” Thomas continued. “That is a remarkable skill, and I think that’s his biggest strength. It’s not his cardio. I think his ability to just stay focused on task and remain comfortable while he’s doing it is his greatest asset.”

    Nurmagomedov has questioned the result in the aftermath. Regardless, he’ll need to bounce back next time out and begin the road toward earning a second title opportunity on MMA’s biggest stage.

    For Dvalishvili, on the other hand, Saturday’s result ensured that his reign got past its first hurdle four months on from his crowning at the expense of Sean O’Malley.

    “The Machine” is now targeting an incredibly active year, with his next defense potentially coming in the year’s second quarter.

  • Beating Umar Nurmagomedov ‘Easier Than Expected’ At UFC 311, Says Merab Dvalishvili’s Coach

    Beating Umar Nurmagomedov ‘Easier Than Expected’ At UFC 311, Says Merab Dvalishvili’s Coach

    The coach of Merab Dvalishvili expected the UFC bantamweight champion to face more adversity when sharing the Octagon with Umar Nurmagomedov.

    The pair collided in the co-main event of this past weekend’s UFC 311 pay-per-view, which marked the MMA leader’s very first numbered event of 2025.

    Their co-headliner went the distance and collected Fight of the Night honors, with defending champ Dvalishvili ultimately emerging with his hand raised and the 135-pound gold still in his possession.

    While the Dagestani challenger enjoyed a strong start inside Inglewood’s Intuit Dome, the Georgian’s renowned pace and cardio ultimately proved to be the difference across the final three rounds.

    Though he’d have no doubt expected that to be the case, one of the champ’s coaches admitted the victory over Nurmagomedov on Jan. 18 came more comfortably than he had foreseen during a recent appearance on Submission Radio.

    “No, (nothing surprised us), not at all,” Syndicate MMA’s John Wood said. “He did what I thought he would do, and maybe he broke his hand in the first round, maybe he didn’t, who knows. I don’t think a broken hand affects your cardio from the last I checked. I don’t think your hand and your lungs are connected, so I don’t think that played into anything. And who cares? It’s a fight, that’s what happens.

    “If anything, the only thing I’d say is it was maybe easier than expected,” Wood continued. “That’s not being disrespectful (to Nurmagomedov), it’s how good Merab is, and I really want people to start noticing that.”

    Nurmagomedov evidently sees things differently.

    After initially questioning the judges’ scorecards during his Octagon interview, the previously undefeated Russian doubled down on that take in his latest remarks.

    He’ll now look to work his way back to a second championship opportunity and the chance to achieve redemption against “The Machine.”

  • CSAC Releases Fight-Day Weights For UFC 311; Dvalishvili, Moicano, Talbott Among Biggest Changes

    CSAC Releases Fight-Day Weights For UFC 311; Dvalishvili, Moicano, Talbott Among Biggest Changes

    Some fighters piled on plenty of pounds between hitting the scale last Friday and making the walk for the UFC 311 pay-per-view on Saturday.

    The mixed martial arts leader opened its PPV account for 2025 this past weekend in Los Angeles, where Inglewood’s Intuit Dome played host to two championship contests and a host of intriguing matchups.

    While facts such as fight-day weights and base purses are rarely seen officially, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) provides more disclosure for events under its jurisdiction.

    And amid conversations in the MMA community after the release of payouts for those who competed at UFC 311, there’s a new topic of discussion regarding weight discrepancy.

    Renowned MMA reporter Aaron Bronsteter shared the figures via CSAC this week, with the most notable increases from weigh-in day to fight night coming from Tagir Ulanbekov, Payton Talbott, Merab Dvalishvili, Raoni Barcelos and Renato Moicano — all of whom weighed 17 percent more a day on from weighing in.

    With his 26.8-pound change, Moicano was 3.8 pounds heavier for his unsuccessful title challenger opposite Islam Makhachev in the UFC 311 main event.

    The biggest discrepancy, meanwhile, came in the main card middleweight contest between Reinier de Ridder and Kevin Holland. With a 15 percent increase, the Dutchman boasted a 21.6-pound advantage over “Trailblazer,” who gained just 4 percent post-weigh-in.

    Second in that regard was the gap between Jamahal Hill and Jiří Procházka. “Sweet Dreams” took to the cage 13.6 pounds heavier than his fellow former champ, who ultimately emerged victorious after knocking the American out in round three.